Bryan's Blog Archive:
2007 | 2006 | 2005

BHB is:
Bryan Harrison
Guitar, Vocals and Harmonica

Jim McLaren
Guitar, Harmonica and Vocals

Mike Fleming
Bass, Guitar and Vocals

Dave Coan
Percussion

Elisa M Welch
Octave Mandolin, Pennywhistle, Keys and Vocals

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November 24, 2007
I hope you had a wondrous Thanksgiving, however that best shows up for you. In these tumultuous times spending time with those you care about can be more comforting than ever.

I've been doing a bit of work to the web site, as you might notice. I encourage you to go listen to samples of our music, and purchase a download or nine.

We've got a couple of December shows lined up. Our final farmers' market back at the mother ship, Walnut Creek Farmers' Market, Sunday, December 9th. Last time there, we had such a blast. The weather could not have been nicer. There was a festival kind of air about the place, with loads of people hanging out with us from 8am til after the slated close of the market at 1:00pm. We're looking forward to this show, as well. Hopefully the weather will cooperate nicely again. Our thanks to Market Manager, Keith Farley, and all the folks at the markets. Buy local - it's the "green" thing to do.

We're then playing the following Sunday afternoon/early evening at a show at The Retox Lounge, Sunday December 16th. Located in a very easy to access part of San Francisco, south of the ballpark (whatever they're calling that now - Spy On Us AT&T?) - down 3rd St at 20th. The new Muni line runs right by it. Parking's easy, and we'd love to see you there! Showtime runs from 1:00pm - 7:00pm. BHB is slated to go on at 5:00.

As you're considering holiday gifts for your Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, and/or Festivus celebrations, consider the gift of music. We can still get you a hard copy of CD's, or talk to me about setting up a gift certificate for digital downloads. RawTracks is available on i-tunes, so you could do it with an i-tunes gift card, and a note directing them to Bryan Harrison music.

May I take a moment to encourage, also, to donate not just to your favorite presidential candidate, but specifically to the one Democrat who you could trust to actually uphold the Constitution of the United States: Dennis Kucinich. We'll be doing a benefit show on their behalf in February. But, please don't wait. Donate what you can. Every $25-$50 goes a long way.

Peace and love to you and yours this Holiday season.
Bryan

November 2, 2007
Pretty big news in today: I'm very pleased to announce that I signed a distribution deal today with a brand new "digital record company", Zoomoozik. This group of industry veterans have launched a whole new alternative to having to buy CDs. Not just another i-tunes, Zoomoozik is set up to market and distribute songs for digital download to a wide variety of sources. With all the avenues I've tried over the past several years, I'm hopeful though cautious with my expectations. One never knows, though, eh?

I invite you to check out our page there. Listen to some samples of the available tracks for free, and for just under a buck each, geez, go ahead and give yourself the gift of music. I know one independent artist (and his band) who will so very greatly appreciate it. You can also read a little bit on the songs you'll find there.

We've got two shows coming up quick-like: next Friday, November 9th, back at Ireland's 32 as part of a Dave Coan production. The following morning we'll be at the Orinda Farmers' Market. Come say hello, and listen to some tuneage while you get some farm-fresh wholesome food. Deets for both these on the upcoming shows page.

Thanks to everybody for all your support. I know that even those of you who can't make our live shows still send your love and positive juju. Now you can get some of the songs for your very own!

Peace and love,
Bryan

October 7, 2007
Thanks to all you's guys who came out for a very cool Code Pink benefit at El Rio Friday night. We had a great time, and I understand the silent auction went well for the group. Cynthia McKinney came to the edge of announcing her Green Party candidacy for President of the US of A. Seems she's still getting her ducks in a row. She was an obvious favorite of the folks in the room, and herself a big fan of Code Pink.

The music flowed. Nina Jo Smith led off the night, with I think all of us helping her out on her final number, "Make Love Not War". Event organizer and way talented artist in her own right, Elisa M. Welch, then played a rousing set. The band stepped up to help with "Wake Up" and a couple other numbers.

The Barbary Coast Allstars were then in full swing. Mike Fleming led us thru a cool blend of his originals and some appropriate covers, including "Wooden Ships". His "Same Old Story" is a really great song, too. Being October, we of course closed his set with a raucous rendition of "Monster Mash".

We then shifted around the stage a bit, and morphed into BHB, including Elisa, AJ on drums, and Nina Jo helping out with some harmonies, too, along with Jimmy and Dave and me. Mike had to take off for a gig in LA the next morning. We all had a fun set just the same. Thanks to Elisa for holding down the bottom end on keys! Guess we played for a little over an hour. Great to see so many smiling faces and dancing bodies.

The groove continued today as Dave, Jimmy, Elisa and I played the Belmont Farmers' Market. The weather was, to me, unexpectedly warm, as was the reception we got. Still, by the end of four hours, I think we were all ready to rest, even mister energizer bunny McLaren. Thanks to Chris, the organizer man of the market for all his support! We look forward to more of those with this group next year.

And so it goes... Dave Coan is hosting a night at Ireland's 32 in the Richmond District this Tuesday night, October 9th (my dad would have been 72 that day). Dave's asked us to help him fill out the night. Super Satish is playing, which will for sure be very cool. We'll some of our stuff, then I believe Dave is playing with Patrick Mahon, Kenny (the sax man), and Satish to fill out the night. Should be a cool adventure. Those of you in the city, come join us... or come to the city to join us!

Come Friday, October 19th, we'll be at Lo Cubano Cafe from 8pm-10pm. I believe that'll be Jim, Dave and me. Sort of a stripped down BHB, or JB Rust percussified. Either way, it'll be a fun night. Lo Cubano has food and drink. Check the shows page for links, map and such.

Love ya's. Happy howling!
Bryan

August 27, 2007
It's been a crazy busy summer. So much music, combined with so many changes, have made for a wild and exciting ride.

I'm very pleased to announce that BHB will be a featured part of a benefit for the Code Pink organization in a live music show October 5, 2007 at El Rio, a club in the Mission District of San Francisco. For further deets, go here.

Code Pink is an organization founded by women who stand for peace. Check out their site, and come help us raise some good fundage for their/all of our cause. Help put a stop to endless war. This is just ridiculous. Like a bunch of punk-ass little kids fighting over who's bigger and better... I want what you have... nee ner nee ner nee ner. Cut the crap. Peace out, y'all! Take a listen to my song, Mothers' Peace Day. Elisa Welch, who's organizing this show, just sent me the link to Julia Ward Howe's Proclamation for Mothers' Peace Day from the Code Pink site. Thanks Elisa!

..."just sit back, relax, enjoy the show..." *

So, tell your friends! Bring your mom! Make a date of it! Live music in the mission on a Friday night! Holy shit! Put it on your calendar. Friday, October 5th! You'll be glad you did!

Love and hugs,
Bryan

August 14 , 2007
So much to say...

Here's the bottom line right now: I'm doing a show that my friend Charles Pitts has worked hard to put together - his first, actually. This will be tomorrow night, August 15, 2007, at the Retox. I have the honor of sharing the bill with Elektrik Sunset. We've talked for awhile about doing something together, so it should make for a fun night. It's a mid-week show, so we need that extra push of support. The Retox play space is not large, so get there early. I'll go on shortly after 8:00pm., more than likely with a solo set. It's just $5 at the door, and as I understand it "chicks for free" ;-)

We'll be appearing at the Orinda Farmers' Market, for those of you on the East Bay side, this Saturday, August 18 (my lil sister's bday). That one's a freebie. We go from 9am til 1:00pm, so come out early and stick around for awhile if'n ya can. I believe it's a totally unplugged event.

Then, come the end of the month, Jimmy McLaren and I are doing our "JB Rust" duo thing at Hiro's Sushi and Steakhouse out in Brentwood Friday, August 31. This is also a free admission, and let me tell you, the sushi is absolutely rockin'. We play from about 8-10pm.

We've got even more coming up, including a benefit for Code Pink October 5 at El Rio, with other things in the works as well. Check the shows page for more.

At the market we played in Martinez August 5 we sold out of all the CD's we had on hand. Thank you to everyone who got one of those. If you weren't able to get your copy you can order them here. Click on the appropriate link to the left, or directly, go here for JB Rust or RawTracks.

Otherwise, "just sit back, relax, enjoy the show..." *
Bryan

July 24 , 2007
In your own experience, do you have a sense that live music is thriving in the Bay Area? I'd really like to have your feedback on that. Feel free to leave a post on the message board, or send me an email directly if you'd rather.

I was invited to participate last Friday evening as one of five independent artists in a Songwriters in the Round show - the Red House "Songwriters' Cafe" in Walnut Creek. My thanks to the folks at the venue, and Peter, in particular. It was a fun show with some great and diverse talent.

I found the venue and the work Red House is up to in the community very encouraging. With so many school music programs being cut, there is a real need for this type of teaching, and outlet for expression and development. Kudos to Red House!

I followed that performance with a four-hour stint at the Pleasant Hill Farmers' Market the following morning, with my bud Mike Fleming coming out for this one with me. We had a great time. Thanks to Karen Stiles, manager of the market, for her support, and to all the vendors who sent us home with bags of very yum produce. And, to all the folks who came out and/or stopped by to take in the music.

Good friends are hard to beat, and we've been blessed with an abundance of great ones who rock. We had a little gathering Sunday that wound up in a pretty major acoustic jam session. What great fun that was. Thanks to all you guys who graced us there.

Busy gets busier... My good bud, Jim McLaren, and I are doing our JB Rust duo this Thursday evening, July 26th, returning for a second gig at Hiro's Sushi & Steak House in Brentwood. Deets. It's a bit of a ways to Brentwood for most of you, but if you're up for it, or know of folks that might want to come hang out with us, please do what ya can. The management there is working to build a regular Thursday night event, and we're all for doing our part to help with its success.

Then, this Saturday we're back on that same side of Mt. Diablo, for our first venture at the Old-Town Pittsburg Farmers' Market.

Not enough? Friday, August 3rd, I've been invited to perform at The Nomad Cafe in Oakland/Berkeley - Shattuck b/t Alcatraz & Ashby, near the Starry Plough. Jim McLaren is planning to help me out with some of that set, as well, I do believe.

We then have another farmers' market that Sunday - this one in Martinez - August 5th.

whew! Ok, so they're all on the east bay side. BART's good, or maybe you can carpool with someone somewhere. Would love to see some friendly faces at any one or more of these events. The Nomad show, in particular, I guess (if deciding where to go is a tough choice for you). :)

I have nothing but the highest regard and gratitude for all the support we've received from so many. Blessings abound - life is good!

Love and peace,
Bryan

July 12 , 2007
Wow! It's been nearly two months since I've updated my little blog/note here. We've had performances not previously planned, and a whole bunch more stuff on our plates. Mercury has moved thru its most recent retrograde phase and is now direct. It was an emotion-packed one, for sure.

I now have a new ring on my finger, and am actually writing this from our beautiful room overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Kapaa, Kaua'i, having just spent the afternoon hanging out at our beach just outside with my lovely bride.

Upon our return next week, it's all going to get busy again, in a good way. In the meantime, we're making the most of a relaxing honeymoon, enjoying every breath of it, and each other.

I want to invite those of you in the Bay Area to come to an intimate concert event at Red House in Walnut Creek next Friday, July 20th. I am doing a solo acoustic set (hoping to be joined by the magical Jimmy McLaren for at least some of it). Deets...

The following morning we'll be doing our thing at the Pleasant Hill Farmers' Market, site of our live "JB Rust" recordings from last September. That runs from 10am-2pm.

For shows beyond that, I invite you to check out the upcoming performances page.

I hope you find in your world peace and love, music and magic. Anywhere near what I'm experiencing right now and you'll be able to die happy.

Love to all,
Bryan

April 21 , 2007
The Earth shakes and stirs, and the people think it means the end. The weather changes waves, and it's all about us again.
Could it be that it matters not to old mother Earth
whether man or dinosaur or cockroaches give birth?
May this Earth Day be a call to respect the well-being of our home,
so that we may continue to call it our own.

We've had much more going on of late than I had anticipated. We played late into the night at Giordano Brothers in North Beach, SF CA Thursday night this week. Will Harrison invited us to fill out his show there. He also had his friend Zach Blizzard open the night. Quite the talent all the way around.

That was a night after another very cool end-of-the-run at the Canvas night Wednesday, where many of our old friends showed up for John Buckle and Jim Hamilton's feature set. We followed their very cool-ness with our own lil Barbary Coast Allstars set.

Last night it was Toy House at the Grant and Green, also in North Beach. I had the unexpected pleasure of running the sound for the band. Good to see them out doing their thing a bit more. 'twas a good night. Great to see so many friends there, too. Deirdre and Les were even there, Ms. D shining with bun in the oven.

This week marks THE final week of The Canvas. Wednesday's show, 4/25, will include a featured set by The Barbary Coast Allstars, of which I will be a part. Come join us for Mike Fleming's final open mic ever at The Canvas (he's got some cool plans for the move, tba).

Then, next Sunday, April 29, 2007, will mark The FINAL SHOW ever at The Canvas. The venue has asked Mike Fleming to produce a show that night, and Bryan Harrison Band will be on the bill.

Come join us for that, or both. You'll want one last night at this very cool venue/art gallery. More info and map link

We're gearing up for a bunch of farmers' market shows, along with other giggage this Spring and Summer. Take a gander.

Connect yourself at the base of your spine with a solid line - a cord of light to the center of the planet. Say hello to Mother Earth in this grounded space, and go in harmony.
Bryan

April 5 , 2007
Sometimes it feels like you're just pounding your head agains a wall. Patience can be a challenge, especially when you know where you want to be but don't really have the how to get there mapped out so well.

Growing up I heard fairly often that sometimes the best you can do is through some mud at the wall and hope some sticks. It's nice when it starts sticking.

So, don't get downhearted, do not despair, the truth may be deep down but you it's still there, somewhere. Fear not your fate, nor the turmoil you bear. All that you need is within - so pull it out and get on with it, eh?!

Kudos to Derek Sivers and the crew at CDbaby for hooking us up with SnoCap. Makin' it easy to cop the downloads on the up and up! Gotta be likin' that. Buy a track or three, would ya? I'd like to know this thing works.

Just a few more weeks before the Canvas is no more. Come on out to Lincoln and 9th Ave., SF CA. We're there Wednesday nights through the end of April.

I played solo last night, in addition to playing sideman on Mike Fleming's very cool opening set there last night. Decided to go with a couple of old faves of mine: Sunshine Girl and Grizzly. Great to see the crowd into it. The Moanin' Dove ripped it a new one, too. Will Harrison's brand-spankin' new song is very cool, too.

We're gearing up for shows this Spring and Summer. Take a gander.

Dig it!
Bryan

March 22 , 2007
All things in due time... Happy Spring! May your experiences grow brighter as the days get longer.

I announced here earlier this month that BHB will be performing at the Pine Street Bar and Grill in Livermore Saturday, March 31st. Well, we ARE playing. However, due to scheduling conflicts with our regular BHB rhythm section, we'll be doing this one as The Barbary Coast Allstars. It's still a show that will rock! So, mark your calendar now. Would love to see tons of all y'all out there.

You may notice here that I now have some of my songs playing for your enjoyment as you enter this site. Courtesy of ReverbNation.com, with their very cool widget, this is like bringing MySpace to my SITE. I would very much appreciate any of you who would go post a comment on my ReverbNation page. Always good to get some positive press, and what better than from the fans themselves?!

We're gearing up for shows this Spring and Summer. Take a gander.

Hope to see lots of you all out and about.
Love and peace and happiness in between the craziness of it all,
Bryan

March 1 , 2007
Seems the year has kicked into gear. Sort of that inertia thing, no doubt.

I'm rather tickled to announce that BHB will perform at the Pine Street Bar and Grill, right here in my new stomping grounds, Saturday, March 31st. We'll be one of four bands on the night, and I've been assured we'll have a prime spot in the lineup. It's been awhile since we've had the band out together outside of our rehearsal space. So, mark your calendar now. Would love to see tons of all y'all out there.

It was great to see Becki di Gregorio at the Canvas last night. Becki d. is a beautiful spirit, a great song writer, and quite a fab artist all the way around. Check out her myspace.

We had a good night at the Canvas, from Mike Fleming's opening set, to the Jeff Belbey and the Whole Catastrophe (i was not the sole catastrophe this night), to my own set. It was happenin'.

Becki sang with me on my new song, "Neva", along with Dave Coan holding the rhythm together on djembe. Then Mike and Jeff joined us, along with a drummer I'd just met during Mike's set earlier in the evening, Jason Blair, for a big rendition of "Isn't it a Pity".

Sad to say the Canvas is going away. It's been sold to no less than the seafood chain-store Pacific Fresh. We have just until the end of April, so get your arse down there and make the most of the end-days. ;) The artwork is best I've seen there in awhile. Ya got the food, the music, the drink... the people. The Canvas will be sorely missed.

Mike's searching out a new home for the Wednesday night shows. Let me, or him, know if you have ideas, k?

May your March rock!
Bryan

February 18, 2007
On the heals of a nice cocktail reception we played, acoustic-style (not actually unplugged), this week we move forward into the year. My thanks to all the guys, and to Leo Grover for having us at his event.

Since the more than a month since I wrote here last things have changed dramatically for me. Within a few short weeks, we moved to a new bay area location, stepping out near the greener pastures of Livermore, California.

Moving is such a joy, but at least it provides an opportunity to purge old belongings. Now getting settled in our new place, I'm enjoying the added space, and a shift in life.

Where the "Wheel of Fortune" clearly stirred things up at the beginning of this year, I now sit unknowing what will appear next. I heard discussion of "expectations" this week. A life free of disappointment, it was said, comes from an approach of being "willing" rather than expecting. What a concept, eh?

I sit here willing to take on the next phase; to take the next step; to experience the next level of what will be. Come along and we'll all grow together!

Bryan

January 12, 2007
The good wheel of fortune seems to show up around this time of year. Always spinning, hard to say where you'll land, or perhaps fall off. But the king and queen sit atop, both with golden chalices in hand, as if toasting the wild ride itself.

A young one gathers sticks across it. Ten staffs yield to the magician, poised to work his wizardry through all the elements. Beneath, a young man, or is it a woman, sits with her/his pentacles, balancing the 5th in his crown. Diligence in work lays a strong foundation.

Dwell not in the desert sun, cloaked and surrounded, three leafy staffs cannot stave off the loneliness, though it fades. Stand tall, stand proud. Carry the rod with you. Use the tools as they were intended, and own what lies ahead as your creation.

Ace of cups runneth over, you say? Begin anew with grace. The knight's been thru the wars, his sabre bloodied in battle rests upon his shoulder. Protected and strong he's made his way,

Three pentacles, stained glass style, shine through with the sun behind, like you always do. And the king of rods dressed regally, walks proud and tall in his certainty.

Thus far, some 10 days beyond, the Wheel has wielded its mighty forces, bringing joy and turmoil from the go, and through the clouds hope for a better life remains ever-present. It's happening all around, even where all evidence seems to caste shadows or contradict. Ya gotta ask yourself, "self, what am I creating today?"

May you find your 007 adventures to be all you knowlingly seek, and then some.

Love and peace,
Bryan